Scoring a 9.2, the Perth suburb ofInnaloo comes in at number ten in our list. Residents boast of top-tier amenities, including restaurants and great transport. Residents say it's the mix of city and rural lifestyles, including its close proximity to the beach, that makes it Australia's best suburb.

One resident sums it up: "Accessible to everything such as the beach, shopping centres and the city but still feels far enough away. A mix of lovely old homes and modern townhouses and units. Only downside is the name."

Within walking distance of Adelaide, this leafy suburb rates a 9.2 on our list, and with 32 comments, it seems people are pretty excited about living there. While median house prices are steep, at around $615,000, Kensington Gardens' location – smack dab between the Adelaide's CBD and the Horsnell Gully Conservation Park – makes it a great place for working families.

Jen, a resident, agrees with the suburb's high rating: "Surrounded by foliage, and everything that you need is within a 10 min drive! It's great!"

On the other side of Adelaide sits the number eight billing on the list: with a score of 9.3, North Plympton rests between the airport, Adelaide CBD, and the beach. Cheaper than Kensington Gardens, with a median house price of $406,000, this suburb scored highest on its local services.

"North Plympton is only about 6kms from the city and 6kms to the beach. It is close to the airport, schools, shops and public transport. The area is safe and not overpriced to live in," said one local expert.

One of Sydney's westernmost rural suburbs, Airds scores a 9.3 on the list, though it's not one of Australia's traditional suburbs. Made up of about 1200 public housing properties, this suburb had high ratings on both its community and affordability. Lil, a long-time resident, was especially impressed by the community feel, "I really loved living in Airds, it's mainly Department of Housing but most areas are nice and quiet."

A residential neighbourhood that got developed on farmland in the 1908s, Sheidow Park is located near Hallet Cove Beach, a thirty minute drive from Adelaide. Median house prices are an affordable $360,000, and residents, boast of the low crime rate and family appeal, rate the suburb a 9.3.

"Great young area - lots of first home owners either building nice new houses or renovating older homes. Very low crime rate, great facilities," said local expert Kas.

The only Victorian entry on the list, Highett is located 16 kilometers south east of the Melbourne CBD, and scored a 9.3 on our list for its high quality local services. Though one of the most expensive entries on our list, with a median house price of $590,000, commentators are still enthusiastic.

"You are not far from the CBD, the local shops and you have the beach very close to you. All this and it is very affordable," said lifelong resident Joanne.

The fourth Adelaide suburb on our list, Highburyscores a 9.3 for its good selection of shops and proximity to the Torrens Valley and foothills. Median house prices are reasonable here, too, at $378,000.

The first Queensland suburb to make the list, Helensvale residents scored it a 9.4 based on its plentiful local services. With one of the top ten's largest populations – about 14,000 people – the median house price rests at a not entirely first home buyer-friendly $492,000. Closeness to the M1, schools and beach were high priorities for most commentators, while some were appreciative of its Oval and location off the Surfers tourist track.

Resident Jacob Laredo sums it up: "It is a very good place to live, close to everything, but also far enough away."

Known for many decades as a rural retreat for posh Sydneysiders, this Southern Highlands suburb has clearly come into its own, with voters scoring it a 9.5. Community appeal was Bowral's greatest strength, as commentators boasted of its friendliness to tourists and residents alike.

"Bowral's weekend appeal is forever growing. The highlands bosts some of the best dining, and wineries in the country, and its relaxed, hideaway aspect is ideal for all walks of life. Da Giacomo the best in town for quality food, service and affordability," said lifelong resident Glenn. And with a median house price of $472,000, it's clear the suburb holds value in property, too.

Australia's best suburb, according to voters, is a small, leafy town nestled in rolling hills near the Hawksbury River that was originally named after the misspelled Koala. Despite its mere 7,000 residents, Mount Colah scored big in affordability and community,with an overall rating of 9.5.

Resident Stuart thinks it's a great, logical place to live: " Always wondered why people buy way out west when they could buy in Mt Colah, it's got a train line and very affordable, would be great for kids to grow up in I imagine." Lifelong resident Damoon Sadeghian agrees, "[It's] far enough from the bustling city for a relaxed lifestyle but close enough for easy travel. Mount Colah has it all for new families." Median house prices for Mount Colah run around $541,000, with a growth rate of 1.5%.